5 from 16 votes
Peanut Brittle Recipe
Peanut Brittle is a classic hard candy combining sugar, light corn syrup, butter, and dry roasted peanuts cooked to a crisp, crunchy texture. With a deep amber color and a blend of salty and sweet flavors, this brittle offers a satisfying snap and nutty richness.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Additional Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
Servings:
24
pieces
Calories:
229 kcal
Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
- 1 cup light corn syrup (240mL)
- ½ cup water (120ml)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup butter cubed and softened to room temperature (170g)
- 2 cups peanuts 260g, dry roasted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Lightly grease a large baking sheet (13x18”) with butter. Line it with parchment paper and lightly butter the paper. Make sure all of your ingredients are measured out and ready to go before you start.
- In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan with tall sides (at least 4-quarts), stir gently to combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Scrape the sides of the pot with a rubber spatula to clean any sugar off the sides. Clip a candy thermometer on the side of the pot (making sure that it doesn’t touch the bottom). Place the pan over medium heat.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, gently stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved, for 6 to 10 minutes, until it reaches 250°F.
- Immediately add the butter and stir constantly until it melts. Let the mixture return to a boil.
- Cook for another 12 to 15 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 280°F, then stir in the peanuts. Cook, stirring slowly but consistently, until the temperature reaches 305°F.
- Remove the pan from heat and immediately add the vanilla and baking soda. Stir well to combine. (The mixture will bubble up quite a bit, so don’t be alarmed.) Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and quickly spread it out using a spatula. The brittle should completely cover the sheet pan and be thinner than the peanuts embedded in it.
- Allow the brittle to cool completely, about 45 minutes, before breaking into pieces.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Adjust saltiness by omitting or including salt in the recipe; sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for extra salty flavor.
- After adding baking soda and vanilla, pour and spread the mixture quickly because it sets rapidly.
- Use wooden spoons for stirring and silicone spatulas for spreading, as these withstand the high temperatures better than metal utensils.
- Wear oven mitts to protect your hands from hot syrup splatters when transferring the candy mixture.
Nutrition Information
Calories
229kcal
(11%)
Carbohydrates
30g
(10%)
Protein
3g
(6%)
Fat
12g
(18%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
(6%)
Monounsaturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Trans Fat
0.2g
(10%)
Cholesterol
15mg
(5%)
Sodium
200mg
(8%)
Potassium
82mg
(2%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
28g
(56%)
Vitamin A
177IU
(4%)
Calcium
11mg
(1%)
Iron
0.2mg
(1%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 24 pieces
Amount Per Serving
Calories 229
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 229kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 15mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 200mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 82mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 28g | 56% |
| Vitamin A | 177IU | 4% |
| Calcium | 11mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.2mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.